A great advertisement for Test cricket - Williamson revels in stunning win

Kane Williamson felt the opening Test between New Zealand and Pakistan was a fine advertisement for the longest form after emerging on the right side of a thrilling encounter.

On a dramatic day four in Abu Dhabi, the home side appeared to be cruising to their victory target of 176 with Asad Shafiq (45) and Azhar Ali (65) well set with the score on 130-3.

But 5-59 from debutant left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel turned the tide in the Black Caps' favour, Pakistan losing their final seven wickets for just 41 runs in a little more than 20 overs to go down by four runs and hand the tourists the narrowest Test win in their history.

Having come from nowhere to earn a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Williamson was asked if this success ranked as one of his best.

"Yes, without a doubt. The best in recent memory," he said. "In these conditions Pakistan are a very strong side.

"To get through them in four days and stay in the match and come out with this result must obviously rank as one of our best wins.

"It certainly was dramatic. Throughout the four days both teams were put under pressure. I think at the end of the day it was a great advertisement for Test cricket.

"We knew the surface was not an easy one. There was considerable turn from day one and all the spinners bowled well. In the end, it came down to the wire.

"We will sit down and review our performance and the things to improve upon. The attitude, certainly today and throughout the game, was brilliant.

"How those two bowlers [Patel and Neil Wagner] bowled, for almost I think 20 overs, was brilliant. From our perspective, it's important to look at things we could have done better, but at the same, the fighting spirit we showed, we would like to hold on to that.

"I think the fighting attributes of this team really shone through and certainly today, it's important to build on a number of parts to go in to the next game, for sure."